Just in: Anna Netrebko – I oppose this war

Russia’s foremost opera singer has issued a guarded statement on the invason of Ukraine, avoiding any mention of President Putin. Last night she cancelled a concert in Aarhus, Denmark, after local protests at her presence.

Here’s what she says on her social media:

‘I have taken some time to reflect because I think the situation is too serious to comment on without really giving it thought.
First of all: I am opposed to this war. I am Russian and I love my country but I have many friends in Ukraine and the pain and suffering right now breaks my heart. I want this war to end and for people to be able to live in peace. This is what I hope and pray for.
I want to add one thing, however: forcing artists, or any public figure, to voice their political opinions in public and to denounce their homeland is not right. This should be a free choice. Like many of my colleagues, I am not a political person. I am not an expert in politics. I am an artist and my purpose is to unite people across political divides.’

UPDATE: Netrebko’s regret cannot conceal her past.

See also: Netrebko plunges into Ukraine war